Dan Kohn's Week 1 NFL predictions

Aaron Rodgers (12) and the rest of the Green Bay Packers offense has to come out strong on Thursday if they are to pull off the upset over the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
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Green Bay at Seattle: The Packers' defense is going to have to be improved to contain Russell Wilson. The former Badgers quarterback is only getting better with age and is looking for an encore following a Super Bowl championship season. Aaron Rodgers and company, on the other hand, have come out of the gates slowly the past two seasons. Make it three. Seahawks 21, Packers 17.

USA TODAY Sports' Lorenzo Reyes breaks down where every team stands with the NFL season opening up.

New Orleans at Atlanta: The Falcons hit rock bottom last year after losing Julio Jones for the season. A healthy Jones could mean a healthy Atlanta offense. Trouble is, New Orleans is just a little better. Drew Brees is still among the league's elite quarterbacks. Saints 23, Falcons 20.

Minnesota at St. Louis: Neither team has a quarterback, but Minnesota still has Adrian Peterson. Despite a solid defense, the Rams open up with a loss. Vikings 28, Rams 24.

Cleveland at Pittsburgh: Defense wins championships, but you do need at least a little offense at some point. Cleveland is still searching for its offense. The Steelers have just enough weapons to roll. Steelers 20, Browns 13.

Jacksonville at Philadelphia: The Eagles are ready for a breakout season with Chip Kelly's wide open offense. Look for Nick Foles to have a great game against an improving Jaguars team that is still a couple of years away. Eagles 38, Jaguars 21.

Oakland at New York Jets: The Raiders won just one road game last season. Although they improved their offense with several key additions, including former Packer James Jones, the cross-country flight seems to always take its toll. The Jets are still a mess, but will do just enough to win their opener. Jets 27, Raiders 17.

Cincinnati at Baltimore: The Bengals played much better at home a year ago, losing to all three AFC North opponents on the road. If Cincinnati wants to take that next step, the Bengals must find a way to win in a very hostile environment. After a poor season following a Super Bowl championship, the Ravens look to bounce back. Ravens 31, Bengals 27.

Buffalo at Chicago: The Bears have added even more explosiveness to a solid offense. If Jay Cutler can stay upright, Chicago can do some damage in the NFC. Buffalo, on the other hand, has a long way to go to get to respectability. Bears 31, Bills 17.

Washington at Houston: The Texans bottomed out a year ago, but have a rock solid defense. If Houston can find a quarterback that can manage a game properly, the Texans could surprise. Robert Griffin III must play smart for Washington and avoid needless hits. Redskins 21, Texans 20.

Tennessee at Kansas City: It's obvious that the Chiefs are big fans of Alex Smith, considering the contract they just gave him. Now he must earn it. The Titans made strides last season, finishing 7-9. The Chiefs win at home. Chiefs 23, Titans 21.

New England at Miami: The Patriots remain the class of a very sub-par AFC East. Miami is looking to close the gap, but the Dolphins still have a ways to go. Look for Tom Brady to find a healthy Rob Gronkowski early and often. Patriots 35, Dolphins 17.

Carolina at Tampa Bay: Lovie Smith is wasting little time trying to whip the Buccaneers into shape. Their defense will keep them in nearly every game this season. Cam Newton must continue his growth if the Panthers are to return to the playoffs. Panthers 25, Buccaneers 21.

San Francisco at Dallas: With an intact defense, the 49ers shut down the Cowboys. With several suspensions and other issues plaguing San Francisco, look for Tony Romo to have a surprisingly good day. Dallas pulls off the mild upset at home. Cowboys 28, 49ers 24.

Indianapolis at Denver: The Colts stunned the high-flying Broncos last October at Indianapolis. Peyton Manning and company will be ready this time. Look for Denver to repay the favor and keep Andrew Luck on his toes. Broncos 38, Colts 31.

New York Giants at Detroit: The Giants have had a hard time picking up their new offense and may start the season similar to last year. Detroit, on the other hand, could be an offensive juggernaut from the start. Detroit gives new coach Jim Caldwell his first win in his first game. Lions 35, Giants 21.

San Diego at Arizona: The Cardinals may have been the second best team in the NFC at the end of last season only to not make the playoffs. If Carson Palmer can show flashes of his past greatness, Arizona is in for a good season. With their defense alone, the Cardinals can outlast the Chargers. Cardinals 20, Chargers 14.